All ashore for romance

Are you thinking of a beach wedding or maybe saying your vows in a peaceful tropical garden? Then a Key West wedding is a wonderful way to tie the knot. And if you’re cruising the Caribbean, Key West is your perfect port of call for a wedding ceremony and celebration.

Cruises are back in a big way. Nearly 900,000 visitors pass through Key West via one of three piers – Mallory Square, Pier B at Opal Resort, and Navy Outer Mole – all less than one mile from each other. Yet, you can find seclusion on this island. Because the Conch Republic is only four miles long and 2 miles wide, it’s extremely easy to get to a variety of ceremony locations.

Here you’ll find abundant gardens, gracious gazebos, historic venues, and, of course, tranquil beaches. Plan a morning ceremony so you’ll have the rest of your day in port for sightseeing and a delicious wedding feast.

Here are some amazing locations for daytime weddings in Key West, as well as some important things to keep in mind during the planning.

Beautiful Key West beach weddings

On Key West couples can choose from Smathers Beach or Fort Zachary Taylor State Park for oceanside nuptials. Smathers Beach is especially popular for sunrise weddings. As a public beach, there is no usage fee. But keep in mind because it is a public beach, you may not have the privacy you desire.  Early mornings provide a more private environment as well as stunning photos.

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is the southernmost state park in the continental US. The park’s East Beach features Jamaican palms and sea grapes that create a secluded atmosphere. Another desirable ceremony location at Fort Zachary Taylor is The Point where the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico meet. Next to The Point, you’ll find the Shipping Channel with a view of the water’s edge, an open field and the fort.

a bride and groom on a boardwalk pathway at Smathers beach in Key West, FL
A newlywed couple at Smather's beach in Key West

Serene garden weddings in Key West

Couples can also find tropical gardens on Key West that offer ceremony seclusion. The Truman Butterfly Garden, located just a few blocks from the Monroe County Courthouse, is a charming pocket garden available for daytime ceremonies. It’s the perfect spot for a short, sweet ceremony and just steps from Key West Harbor.

Another scenic ceremony site is Audubon House. This mid 19th century home  is located in the heart of Key West and its alluring gardens provide countless photo opportunities.  After your ceremony, enjoy a tour of the home and the wildlife art of John James Audubon.

If you’re dreaming of saying your “I Do’s” under a picturesque gazebo, the Garden Club/West Martello can make it a reality. Stunning ocean views and a verdant garden await. And you’ll find the enclosed lushness of The Gardens Hotel provides for a very private ceremony. And if you’re looking for the classic manicured lawn and a historic home backdrop for your ceremony, you’ll find it at Little White House, the winter residence for President Harry Truman.

a bride and groom sitting together on a bench in a lush garden setting in Key West

Celebrate Key West in romance, fun, and style

After your ceremony, be sure to include some close-by photo stops to commemorate your special day. Include iconic Key West spots like Mile Marker 0 and Duval Street. Be sure to stop by the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory for some colorful wedding photos then hop on a trolley for a tour of the Conch Republic.

All of this celebrating and sightseeing is sure to leave you hungry. In just this four square miles of island paradise you’ll find nearly 400 restaurants!

What you need to know for your Key West wedding

Combine the trip of a lifetime with a one-of-a-kind ceremony for an experience that’s all about the two of you. Or gather your closest family and friends and make it a floating destination wedding. Either way, if you want to make your Key West wedding legit, you will need a valid Florida marriage license. You can apply online and receive your license by mail before you set sail. And your marriage license is valid for up to 60 days.

Another important planning consideration is the length of your stay in port. As a rule, ships are in port from a half-day to a full day, so check the itinerary for estimated onshore and re-boarding times. And you’ll want reliable transportation at your disposal.

As Key West wedding planners, we can help you find the perfect ceremony location, be your wedding officiant, get you through all of the logistics, and even provide a seasoned photographer to capture your memories. To start planning your Florida Keys wedding day excursion, contact us online or call 305-922-2222.